10 Things To Expect As A First-Time Harley-Davidson Owner
Few decisions in the motorcycling world carry as much weight — literally and culturally — as buying your first Harley-Davidson. The brand doesn’t just sell motorcycles; it sells membership in something larger than itself. The history, the genre-defining influence, the enduring dominance over the American motorcycle market — it all blends into an intoxicating mixture that transcends the riding experience by an order of magnitude. You’re stepping into a community with its own traditions, interests, and above all, a lifestyle. How deeply you dive into this nearly bottomless well of possibilities is entirely up to you; H-D owners fall across a wide spectrum rather than into a specific type or two, so there’s plenty of room under the ownership banner.
More than you might expect, the particular H-D model you choose can place you in a distinct owner category — sometimes to the point of social friction within the community. You’ll find that certain bike families are looked down upon for a variety of reasons, some of which are actually valid, but mostly it’s the motorcycle equivalent of sibling rivalry. And it’s impossible to overstate the general animosity the brand attracts from the outside world, along with the equal and opposite loyalty it inspires in return. Welcome to the family. To give you the most accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article is from my experience as a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic as well as a long-time Harley-Davidson rider.
It’s Likely Heavier Than What You’re Used To: Managing Heavy Motorcycles And Trikes
Learn Practical Techniques For lifting And Maneuvering Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
In general, Harley-Davidson motorcycles tend to run a little on the heavy side, and that’s being very kind. What’s more, the center of gravity can sometimes be rather high, even when the seat height is low. That can tax riders with shorter inseams or less than stellar leg, core, and shoulder strength.
If you bought one of the trikes, chances are you have a convenient electric reverse for parking lot maneuvers, but the two-wheelers need to be Fred Flintstoned around. Naturally, models with large fairings and full-size Tour-Paks will be harder to manage, especially with a load in the Pak. Lifting a downed bike can be a daunting task, but there are proven techniques that allow even a physically slight person to stand one back up with ease — so fear not, but do educate yourself before you need to use them.
Key Overall Concerns
- Tend to be heavy
- Can be top-heavy, as well
- Surprisingly easy to stand up after a drop
- Trikes are easy due to electric reverse
- Can accommodate a rather tall rider
What It’s Really Like To Ride A Harley-Davidson: Performance, Handling, And Vibration
Strengths And Unique Riding Feel Of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, From Torque To Clutch And Crosswind Stability
H-D has its own way of doing things, and this bears out in how it feels to ride one. We’ve established that Harleys, in general, are rather hefty, and take a certain amount of strength to keep under control. Naturally, this weightiness factors into acceleration and braking performance as well, though the torque-rich engines overcome that inertia handily — delivering strong 0-to-60 times and a satisfying roll-on almost anywhere in the rev range.
Old-school clutches will have enough pull weight to wear out your left hand when tooling around town, but the newer slipper-type clutches deliver a lighter pull weight and broader friction zone for very good slow-speed control. If you are used to sportbikes, H-Ds will feel a tad spongy in corners and direction changes, but the trade-off is they tend to track well and are easy to manage in a crosswind. Vibration varies according to model year, model type, and engine design, but no matter what, it will almost certainly be more pronounced than just about anything else out there. You’ll probably learn to love it.
Key Performance Considerations
- Heavy weight is felt on acceleration and deceleration
- Clutch may be stiff or pliant
- Handling not as sharp as a proper sportbike
- Vibration is part of the package
- Tracks well, especially at speed
Harley-Davidson Engines Require Specialized Maintenance And Tools
Why Authorized Dealerships Are The Best Option
Some engines are built to be mechanic-friendly; Harley-Davidsons do not necessarily fall under that description. There’s a lot to know about wrenching on one, with even routine maintenance falling outside the abilities of mechanics without specific training. Not only is there a steep learning curve, but there’s no shortage of specialty tools required to do it right — never mind the dealer-only tools and old-school items that were typically fabricated in a garage with light machine-shop capabilities.
You’ll need an array of torque wrenches. You’ll be surprised at how many torque specs the factory insists on, leaving nothing to chance. Even if you consider yourself mechanically inclined, it’s really best to let an authorized dealership handle maintenance, repairs, and any performance work.
Harley’s Iconic Paint Has Transformed Into Industry-Leading Excellence
Harley-Davidson’s Top-Shelf Fit-And-Finish And Color Choices
Make no mistake, the Dark Days of AMF ownership are far in the rearview — when the factory was in freefall, worker morale was low, and quality suffered as a result. But that was then; this is now. H-D has gone from strength to strength over the last few decades when it comes to fit and finish. Nothing feels chintzy. Everything has a weight and tactile solidity that suggests great resistance to wear and damage, while building confidence in the overall design.
Nothing is overlooked in H-D’s quest to dominate the American-style motorcycle market, from luxe saddle covers to a top-notch chrome finish. Perhaps best of all is the paint. Harley-Davidson remains the King of Paint, with some of the most attractive color combinations available anywhere in the industry. That’s been true since the mid-Eighties, so the factory has a long and proven track record. Pearl, metal flake, and fade-type finishes are common throughout the range.
Sticker Shock Is Real
Harley Rarely Uses Price As A Selling Point
With few exceptions — such as the Forty-Nine Ninety-Five ($4,995) Sportster from the late ’80s — H-D has rarely used price as a selling point. Quite the opposite, in fact. Harleys tend to run toward the expensive end of the spectrum, with top-sticker items reaching genuinely exclusive territory. Let’s face it: some CVO models push well into the $50,000 range and beyond, and a lot of folks paid less than that for their first house once upon a time.
As a former dealership parts manager, mechanic, and current customer, I can tell you that there’s a reason folks call dealerships “The Hundred-Dollar Store.” Even routine maintenance and oil changes can run high, right along with any accessories you want installed, and the tab keeps climbing as motorcycle oil and parts prices continue to rise. At least the waiting lists went the way of the dinosaurs decades ago, and the really ridiculous markups went with them — leaving us with the regular high prices.
There Are Controversial Harley-Davidson Models
Some Harleys Are Mocked And How The New Sportster Family Shakes Up The Debate
All bikes are created equal, but some are more equal than others in the H-D family. The main target of scorn is the Sportster, specifically the Evolution-and-earlier models that were replaced by the new, Revolution Max-powered Sportster family, which is a different kettle of fish entirely.
Widely regarded as women’s women’s bikes bikes or dirt bikes and derided as “Skirtsters” by some of the most vociferous detractors, owners of Big Twin models may point and laugh, so be ready for it. Trikes, in general, are regarded as “grandpa rides” or for those “too weak” to hold up a two-wheeler. Full dressers like the Ultra Limited are also “grandpa bikes grandpa bikes” to only a slightly lesser degree, and so they are subjected to the same sarcastic observations as the other blighted models.
Why Harley-Davidson Faces So Much Hate: From Rival Brands To Lifestyle Criticism
Common Criticisms Of Harley Bikes And Riders, And How The Brand Provokes Passionate Responses
Just as members of the Harley community will hate on certain models and rider types — think Sportsters and the Rich Urban Biker types — people outside the community will hate on Harley as a whole. The bikes, the lifestyle, even the riders themselves attract criticism just for choosing American iron. In certain circles, it’s practically fashionable to hate on the brand. You’ll get comments like “Oh, wannabe” and similar drivel, as if that constitutes a valid argument against your passion for getting your fists in the wind.
Then there are the noise-sensitive neighbors who complain about engine sound even when you’re running stock pipes, so be ready for the parking-lot Karens. Riders of other brands will also frequently feel obligated to make tired comments about needing Loctite to hold the engines together and about 18th-century engineering — as if either of those statements bears any resemblance to reality.
Key Points Of Public Disdain
- Loud pipes make you a target for whining
- Wearing leather instantly makes you a Sons of Anarchy wannabe
- Brand rivalry is real
- Be ready for stupid people to make stupid comments
The Harley-Davidson Community: Welcoming Riders And Building Connections
Supportive, Friendly Subculture Of Harley Enthusiasts And Local Bike Events
Once you get past any potential stumbling blocks, the Harley community as a whole is very welcoming. Right off the bat, the mutual appreciation of America’s longest-running motorcycle manufacturer — its products, design, and direction — gives everyone something in common. Local biker events such as swap meets are great ways to meet other riders and forge connections within our unique subculture.
Small events at local bike shops are another great way to meet like-minded folks in a relaxed environment while hunting for good deals on bike goodies. It’s a common experience that this community is always willing to lend a helping hand and support local businesses. Under the black leather beat hearts of gold, in general. There are also a number of print magazines that still cater specifically to H-D fans, and to a lesser extent, Indian and Triumph riders.
Understanding Harley-Davidson Biker Clubs: One-Percenters, Riding Clubs, And The Culture
Harley’s Club Divisions And Biker Etiquette For Newcomers
It’s impossible to get into Harley culture without addressing the club scene. There are three general categories: one-percenters; non-one-percenters; and riding clubs. As for the former, if you have to ask about them, they are not the place for you. Non-one-percenters are your outlaw-lites — similar structure to the big clubs, but on a smaller scale and typically without any RICO violations. Riding clubs are like your Harley Owner’s Group and similar organizations, with a defined structure and no outlaw activity; they attend events and make (dessert) bar runs as a group. To each their own.
One word of advice: do not approach a stranger who’s a member of a one-percent club and act familiar with them in a public setting. That is decidedly not cool in biker etiquette, and could have immediate adverse consequences. Stay in your lane, whichever lane that happens to be.
Harley-Davidson Rallies: Must-See Events At Sturgis, Daytona, And Laconia
Enjoy Harley Rallies, Racing, And New Model Reveals At Iconic Biker Gatherings
Harley-Davidson rallies are something to behold, and should be experienced at least once by everyone — whether they ride or not. The major ones are held in Laconia, Daytona, and Sturgis. Daytona has traditionally been where the factory reveals upcoming models to dealers and their representatives. Sturgis once served the same purpose for the public, though the way H-D handles new-model announcements has evolved in recent years.
No matter where you go, you can expect hundreds of thousands of bikers in attendance, and a good time is had by all. Racing — particularly drag racing — holds a special place in Harley culture, so you’ll find events centered around both individual competitors and club-sponsored racers alike. The sheer power of the drag machines is impossible to fully describe; it truly is an awesome sight to behold.
Sources: Harley-Davidson
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